The Evolving Landscape of Digital Events

Significant investment has been directed towards virtual event platforms recently, yet Introvoke co-founder and CEO Oana Manolache posits that we are still in the initial stages of a substantial “third wave of digital transformation.”

From Video Conferencing to Dedicated Platforms

The initial phase of this shift occurred with the onset of the pandemic, as organizations rapidly adopted video conferencing solutions like Zoom to host virtual gatherings. Subsequently, dedicated conference platforms such as Hopin experienced rapid growth and funding.

However, Manolache contends that platforms like Hopin function as a temporary fix, a solution employed by clients hoping to maintain operations until in-person events can safely resume. This is particularly true when event organizers are compelled to direct attendees to an external platform.

The Demand for Ownership and Customization

“A universal solution doesn’t exist,” she explained. “The short-term solution initially intended for a few months has yielded considerable benefits, enabling companies to expand their customer base and achieve revenue goals.

We are now entering the third wave, as organizations seek to integrate solutions directly into their existing ecosystems and cultivate stronger relationships with their audiences.”

Introvoke: A Third-Wave Solution

Based in San Francisco, Introvoke is a graduate of the Techstars Accelerator program. The company aims to deliver this third-wave solution and has announced the successful completion of a $2.7 million funding round.

This round was led by Struck Capital, with participation from Comcast, Social Leverage, Great Oaks, V1vc, Time CTO Bharat Krish, and Resy co-founder Mike Montero.

Customizable and Embeddable Components

Introvoke provides a suite of components, including virtual stages, chat functionalities, and networking hubs. These elements are fully customizable and can be seamlessly embedded directly onto a client’s website.

The company’s name, derived from the concept of “thought-provoking introductions,” reflects its design for a hybrid future. This future will encompass various formats, including virtual-only, in-person-only, and events that blend both in-person and virtual participation.

Flexible Pricing and Broad Compatibility

Introvoke’s pricing structure is based on live event minutes, making it accessible to organizations of all sizes. Its components are compatible with websites built on platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, Splash, and can also be integrated into a customer’s internal intranet.

“We are continually impressed by the diverse applications of our technology – from conferences and career fairs to employee engagement initiatives,” Manolache stated.

Extending Event Engagement

Early adopters, including Comcast, Wharton, and Ritual Motion, have utilized the platform during a private preview period. They are beginning to move beyond the traditional constraints of in-person events.

For instance, Introvoke events can facilitate ongoing attendee interaction and networking over weeks or even months, rather than being limited to the duration of a conventional event.

The Future of Virtual Experiences

Adam B. Struck, founder and Managing Partner of Struck Capital, emphasized that virtual events “will persist long after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.”

“Currently, virtual experiences – encompassing conferences, concerts, and company-wide meetings – are typically hosted on third-party platforms, resulting in a fragmented experience for the hosting brand or organization,” he noted.

“Virtual capabilities should be natively integrated into the website and platform of the enterprise itself, and it is the responsibility of innovators like the Introvoke team to create experiences that are as fluid and engaging as any in-person event.”